The Dallas Wings Didn’t Reload, They Reinvented

The Dallas Wings of old, should be a memory that is long and forgotten.

Old as in before the Paige Bueckers era. However, the new Dallas Wings? They are a team that is more dynamic. Cutting, running, and crashing the paint with a purpose, and playing with a lot more spacing and because of this all of their opponents are noticing.

Karlie Samuelson’s seen the shift firsthand. She’s had to scout it. Adjust to it. Brace for it.

“Obviously with Paige coming in, and DiJonai… they’re totally different,” Samuelson said. They cut well. In their preseason games, they really scored in the paint and in transition.”

This team is no longer only about Arike Ogunbowale pulling up from 30 and praying to lead her team to another heroic win.

This team is very much more intricate, layered and this was all intentional. The franchise, this roster is a part of a movement with meaning.

“Just not letting them get downhill,” Samuelson said. “Take care of their elite scorers… they obviously have Arike.”

Spacing, Speed, and Smoke

In addition to the fray is none of than Myisha Hines-Allen and NaLyssa Smith. Both are playing the forward spot, and Hines-Allen will be the starting center. Add in shooters, slashers, and a tempo that’s tough to match, and you have the new Dallas Wings team.

Even Lynx assistant coach Eric Thibault had to acknowledge it.

“They’re also playing a little bit different style now too with Myisha and Nalyssa spacing the floor more,” Thibault said. “So we kind of got to be ready for not just the size but… also their spacing and their movement.”

Translation?

No one can sit idly and pack the paint anymore. Defenses will be responsible for covering the entire floor.

A New Era, A New Energy

What often times would feel like a calamity in Dallas, now feels a lot more like coordination.

What used to feel like frustration now feels like structure.

The Wings did not just get new players. They got a new rhythm. A new breath of fresh air.

Rookie point guard, Paige Bueckers brings calm to the chaos. Meanwhile defensive menace DiJonai Carrington brings fire to the floor. Arike Ogunbowale still is the superstar she is and remains the gravitational force, but now she’s surrounded by players who know how to orbit with purpose.

This version of the Wings is harder to read, harder to guard, and harder to beat.

“They’re really talented, obviously,” Samuelson said. “It’s been cool to watch them in preseason.”

Cool from a distance. But up close? It’s about to get heated.

This ain’t the same Dallas Wings team.